CHICAGO – If this were 2017, IU's point guard battle would be different.

Robert Phinisee, Al Durham and Devonte Green would all be on an even playing field . But Green, a junior, and Durham, a sophomore, have a year under their belt in Archie Miller's system. Phinisee, a freshman, does not.

Green and Durham walked in the first day of practice with an understanding of what Miller expects. Phinisee didn't. So when it comes to who will start at point guard Nov. 6 against Chicago State at Assembly Hall, the advantage lies with Green, and then Durham, over the newcomer from Lafayette.

“That’s the advantage of having veteran guys,” Miller said at Thursday's Big Ten Media Day in Chicago. “A year ago there wasn’t any difference between a freshman and a senior, they were all learning the same way. So in many ways it was fairer. But in most great programs around the country those older guys have such an edge.”

It will take a couple weeks, as Miller throws intrasquad work and 20-minute games, for the coaching staff to start deciding how to dole out minutes. They’ll figure out which Hoosiers match up well together. And, maybe just as important, discern who doesn’t jell together on the court.

Durham, who started nine of 31 appearances last season and averaged 4.8 points per game, added 15-20 pounds this offseason and the added strength is evident in his play. Green has an ability to beat defenders on a crossover and create his own shot, and he’s more controlled this year than he was in 2017 when he averaged 7.6 points per game in 31 appearances and 12 starts. Phinisee is fundamentally sound, physically keeping up with his teammates and learning.

“Those guys are pushing each other,” Miller said. “I’m really, really excited about the competition level every day that we have in practice. That’s something that’s really, really important to have.”

Senior forward and captain Juwan Morgan called Green and Phinisee’s head-to-head battles some of the best he’s witnessed since practice started.

“Usually (Devonte) has been faster than the other guards but now Rob is just as quick laterally and just up and down,” Morgan said. “They give each other fits and I think it’s a good thing, especially to have that in practice where you have two great point guards going against each other.”

A few days into practice the team was in the midst of a two-on-two drill where Green and Phinisee were matched up against each other. Possession after possession each pulled out defensive stop after defensive stop.

The reality of the situation has Green as Phinisee’s mentor throughout it all. They are different players, yes, but Green’s experience allows him to see things Phinisee and others might not.

Both Nebraska coach Tim Miles and Northwestern coach Chris Collins told IndyStar they think Green will make a jump this season. Last year was just a matter of acclimating to Miller’s system.

“There’s no doubt Devonte can do it,” Miles said.

“He’s a scorer by nature,” said Collins, adding later it’s important that aspect of Green’s game shouldn’t be sacrificed even with him at point guard. “He’s going to take a few bad shots, and you’ve got to live with it at times because he’s got that confidence and swagger to make plays.”

And as practice progresses he'll have Durham and Phinisee on him pushing for minutes. The lesson — Miller has options.